eco-tourism site - Khijadia Bird Sanctuary - Jamnagar

 In a bid to boost eco-tourism in the Gujarat State, the State has mooted a proposal to set up interpretation centres at new wildlife and bird sanctuaries across the State. It has also started upgrading the existing centres and other facilities for prospective tourists at other eco-tourism sites.

• The new eco-tourism sites identified are:
• Khijadia Bird Sanctuary (Jamnagar),
• Koteshwar-Naraya Sarovar (Kutch),
• Thol Bird Sanctuary (Gandhinagar),
• Ajamgadh-Keliya Dam - (Valsad district)
• Wilson Hills - (Valsad district)
• Pariej Wetland (Kheda),
• Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (Narmada),
• Kevadia (Vadodara)
• Pirotan Island (Jamnagar).

Chief Conservator of Forest (Social Forestry) Rajeeva  said that  Rs 3.25 crore project proposal is submitted to the State Tourism Department to set up interpretation centres at these sites.

 

The centres will provide detailed information to tourists about wildlife, birds, reptiles and bio-diversity of these sites through various mediums such as audio-visual, posters, films, three-dimensional models of birds/animals and pamphlets. These centres will also guide tourists to visit other places of interest.

Other facilities, such as drinking water, sanitation, reception centre and accommodation will be created for prospective tourists. While twin huts will be erected to provide accommodation, specially-designed tents will be set up for students who visit these places for environment education.

At the world-famous Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, the existing centre will be revamped and expanded at a cost of Rs 40 lakh and four rest huts will be set up. Relevant information about the type and original destination of domestic as well as migratory birds visiting the sanctuary will be provided to tourists through this centre.

 

The installation of three observation towers at strategic points around the bird sanctuary was proposed to help tourists watch birds. These towers will also be useful to researchers who often visit the famous sanctuary to study birds. The department has also decided to purchase binoculars.

The center at Velavadar Sanctuary in Bhavnagar will also be upgraded with an estimated cost of Rs 5 lakh. A proposed 30-bed dormitory is to be constructed at the sanctuary which is famous for its black bucks.

 

There are also plans to totally revamp the centre at the famous Sasan-Gir wildlife sanctuary, with parking area near Devalia already undergoing construction. Similarly, centres and other facilities like accommodation, sanitation and solar lights are in the process of being developed at the Wadhwana Wetland (Vadodara) and Jambugodha Wildlife Sanctuary (the Panchmahals).

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Brip